Galatians 5:16-23 teaches that at any moment we are either walking by the Holy Spirit or according to the sin nature. Walking by the Spirit, enjoying fellowship with God, walking in the light are virtually synonymous. During these times, the Holy Spirit is working in us to illuminate our minds to the truth of Scripture and to challenge us to apply what we learn. But when we sin, we begin to live based on the sin nature. Our works do not count for eternity. The only way to recover is to confess (admit, acknowledge) our sin to God the Father and we are instantly forgiven, cleansed, and recover our spiritual walk (1 John 1:9). Please make sure you are walking by the Spirit before you begin your Bible study, so it will be spiritually profitable.

Note: Classes in this series are arranged with the most recent class appearing first.

This epistle focuses on the critical doctrine of how we face adversity and how we are to think about it in our lives. The key word is the word for suffering and its many synonyms. The purpose is to remind all believers that God has a destiny and a future inheritance for them. What we think of as speed bumps interfering with our personal plans are actually God’s training tools and are to be expected, rejoiced in, and not dreaded.

Do you like incentives? Do promises of rewards motivate you? Listen to this lesson to learn that all believers have a basic inheritance but that the Bible teaches that there are special rewards for those Christians who grow to spiritual maturity in this life. See the example of Abraham and the Royal Grant covenant in the Old Testament as the first mention of inheritance. In light of these incentives, organize your life in such a way as to grow spiritually and receive the incredible rewards that are promised.

Are you looking forward to a tremendous inheritance? One that lasts forever? Listen to this lesson to find out that God has prepared one just for you, with your name on it. Find out that all believers receive an inheritance but that there are also rewards that can be earned. Learn four characteristics of this inheritance and the words in the Bible that describe it. See that we receive this inheritance because we are the sons of God and that God, Himself, is our inheritance. Resolve to wake up each day remembering that when we walk by means of the Holy Spirit we will receive the rewards that are meant for us.

What do you see in your future? Listen to this lesson to learn that you don’t need to go to a psychic to find out because the Bible makes it plain what believers can anticipate. Find out that our present life is not where our focus should be since it is only a prelude to eternity. Learn the Biblical meaning of the word hope and a number of passages where the word is used. See that we can’t fail to be optimistic when we grasp all that we have to look forward to and never lose sight of the fact that we should not spend our time on hopes and dreams that can’t last.

Is everyone who says they’re a Christian saved or only those who have been born again? Listen to this lesson to learn the meaning of spiritual regeneration. Find out what the cause of being born again is. See that when Jesus was talking to Nicodemus there were six kinds of events called being born again but Jesus was referring to something new. Understand that we are born with a body and a soul but it is only when we trust in Christ as our Savior that our human spirit is regenerated so we can have fellowship with God and be thankful for our new birth.

Have you been born again? If this question seems a bit weird to you, you’re in good company. Listen to this lesson to learn about an important religious leader who was puzzled when Jesus told him he had to be born again. Find out the meaning of regeneration and how there is a sin barrier between every person and God. Learn that we sin because we are sinners. See that being born again means we have a living hope and we don’t need to be overly concerned about what happens in our country because we can focus on our eternal future.

How much do you know about God, the Holy Spirit? Listen to this lesson to learn that He is a person and is divine just as God, the Father and God, the Son. Hear passages in the New Testament that mention all three Members of the Godhead in the same verse. Find out about two people who lied to the Holy Spirit. See how the Holy Spirit is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent and prays for us. Understand that the Holy Spirit is our helper and encourager, the same as Jesus Christ.

What do you believe about God and why do you believe it? Every generation must decide this for itself. Listen to this lesson to see that many today are questioning whether the Bible is accurate and without error. Understand that when Jesus was on earth He made many claims that He was God and was equal with God the Father. Hear a number of references to God in the Old Testament that are applied to Jesus in the New Testament. Take time to think about your core beliefs about God and study the Word of God so you can explain what you believe.

Want a sure cure for discouragement over all the evils in the world? Try centering your attention on the Godhead. Find out that all three persons share the same attributes, including justice, and will someday right the wrongs that are being committed. Learn that the Holy Spirit is shown to be a person, the same as God the Father and God the Son. See how His names and acts reveal Him to be divine. Appreciate that there is no problem you have that is too great for the members of the Godhead.

What difference does it make whether I understand the Trinity? To tell the truth, it gives me a headache just to try to think about it. If this is how you feel at times, listen to this lesson to learn all the rich benefits that come from understanding the Godhead. See that the first person is God the Father and the second person is God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Understand they are identical, co-equal, and co-infinite. Explore passages in the Old Testament where Jesus Christ is called the Angel of the Lord and learn what that means. Find out the significance of names in the Bible. See that the more you know about God, the more you can praise and appreciate Him.

One God. Three Persons. If this sounds confusing, listen to this lesson to come to a greater understanding of the important doctrine of the Trinity and the plurality of the Godhead. See that beginning in the first book of the Bible, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are present. Learn who the Angel of the Lord is. Begin to understand the role of God the Father and His relationship to Israel. See how His Son, Jesus Christ as the Son of Man, fulfilled the destiny of the human race. As you come to know more about God, let it lead to a greater appreciation of Him and all He does for us.